Travel Trade Weekly proudly enjoys readers on average per day
03 NOVEMBER 2012
ISSUE 156
Travel Trade Weekly proudly enjoys readers on average per day
03 NOVEMBER 2012
ISSUE 156
Interview with Victor Louis Victor Louis, chief operating officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, shares his thoughts on the emirate’s increasing popularity and reveals the destination’s future path.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Jet Airways add four direct weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai.
02 Ocean View Hotel Gears Up to Open Ocean View Hotel, the latest addition to JA Resorts & Hotels’ growing portfolio, is set to start receiving international guests on January 1, 2013.
10 IN THIS ISSUE RENDEZVOUS WEEKLY NEWS MARKET UPDATE WEEKLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION AIR NEWS INTERNATIONAL WHO’S MOVED TRAVEL TALK AGENT’S CORNER TRAVEL CHANNELS RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS
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ADAC and Jet Airways Increase Services
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RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with Victor Louis As Ras Al Khaimah gradually becomes a strong contender in the global tourism sector, Victor Louis, chief operating officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (Ras Al Khaimah TDA), shares his thoughts on the emirate’s increasing popularity and reveals the destination’s future path.
Travel Trade Weekly: How many visitors has the destination received so far this year? Victor Louis: Figures from January to August are very encouraging and show that our total number of hotel guests reached 725,544 which represent 68 percent of our full year target of 1.1 million visitors. The beach and resort hotels are performing exceptionally well with occupancy being 4.1 percent up compared to the same period in 2011. The revenue per available room has also increased by 31.3 percent.
Victor Louis Chief operating officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (Ras Al Khaimah TDA)
Travel Trade Weekly: What kind of role does Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group, launched less than a year ago, play in the development and growth of the emirate’s hospitality sector?
Travel Trade Weekly: Which are the emirate’s main source markets? Victor Louis: Ras Al Khaimah’s top five visitor markets are Germany, UAE, Russia, UK, and the Czech Republic. Visitors from Germany, during the period from January to August, totalled 226,638 with 170,452 room nights and room revenue of almost USD16,271 million. The second largest market is the UAE, which generated 188,772 visitors, with 126,693 room nights and room revenue of almost USD18,453 million. Russia followed with 74,402 visitors producing 42,352 room nights and room revenue of almost USD5.26 million, then comes the UK with 15,723 visitors, a production of 21,512 room nights and room revenue of almost USD3.29 million, followed by the Czech Republic with 19,448 visitors producing 11,210 room nights and approximate room revenue of USD974,076. Travel Trade Weekly: The authority’s stra-
constant and increasing number of visitors to the emirate, Ras Al Khaimah TDA also implements a proactive and continuous campaign of marketing, public relations and tourism initiatives including the representation of the Ras Al Khaimah tourism industry at overseas travel shows, conferences and exhibitions.
tegic goals include increasing the total number of annual visitors to the emirate to 1.2 million by 2013. How do you intend to achieve these ambitious goals? Victor Louis: Ras Al Khaimah TDA has been assigned a budget of USD500 million until the end of 2013 to develop Ras Al Khaimah into a global brand and an affordable luxury destination. Since Ras Al Khaimah TDA was established in May 2011, the authority has initiated many new hospitality ventures and support programmes and initiatives to entice such foreign investment into Ras Al Khaimah, which both add to the inventory of luxury accommodation available in the emirate, as well as develop the emirate’s offerings of tourism attractions and tourism infrastructure. In its role of supporting investors by ensuring a
Victor Louis: This government entity was launched to support and develop the emirate’s hospitality industry with the aim to diversify food and beverage concept offerings to the local residents and tourists as well as to increase the emirate’s total hotel and resort room inventory to 10,000 keys by the year 2016. Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group is taking an active role in introducing new hospitality projects as this emirate is fast becoming a strong contender within the global hospitality market. As for upgrade projects, we are working on the enhancement of the Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club and already started the extensive upgrade of Banyan Tree Al Wadi, where the villa complex is being extended and the selection of wildlife is being expanded. Furthermore, Ras Al Khaimah Country Club is an ongoing project, which will be launched at the end of the year as an exclusive equestrian club in the emirate. New hospitality and restaurant brands are being launched, promoting the emirate as a leading hospitality contender within the UAE.
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WEEKLY NEWS Al Majlis New Facility Al Majlis, Dubai Airports’VIP passenger service, has opened its new, modern facility in Dubai International’s Terminal 3. Al Majlis’ new location further central, makes connecting either to a commercial or private flight far more convenient and is able to better accommodate big groups with three large lounges in additional to six smaller lounge spaces. Remaining part of Terminal 3, Al Majlis will still serve as an exclusive facility which adheres to the same privacy and security levels as in the past. The current facility is being relocated as part of Dubai Airports’ USD7.8 billion Strategic Plan 2020, which will see the airport capacity increase from its current 60 million passengers a year to 90 million in 2018. “Al Majlis remains committed to providing the highest level of service to all of its customers […]. We believe that bringing Al Majlis to Terminal 3 helps improve connection times while maintaining the exclusivity of the service our customers expect,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.
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Dubai eGovernment Expands Online Payment Services to Tourist Sector The Dubai eGovernment has signed a new joint agreement with the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) for ePay, as part of its initiatives to facilitate the transactions of the public in obtaining government services. The deal, which was officialised at the recently-concluded Gitex Technology Week 2012, currently allows online payment of the fees of two services, namely tourist guide training management system and hotel classification. This will, therefore, open new prospects for facilitating the implementation of the services related to the tourism sector in Dubai, whereby customers whose banks participate in the ePay portal will be allowed payments through credit card or direct debit. Since the agreement, 27 government entities have joined the ePay gateway while 250 services have been approved for online payments, which are aimed at providing more convenient options in line with Dubai eGovernment’s ‘customer first’ strategy.
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MARKET UPDATE
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel JOURNALISTS Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba Dominique Christou Maria Kazeli
Big Bus Tours: Robust Growth, Future Expansion Since launching in Dubai in 2002, Big Bus Tours has continuously expanded its operation from just six buses and 20 staff members to 20 buses and a 100-member team.
SALES & MARKETING Maria Demetriadou Derek Lainsbury DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 210466 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of
02/11/2012 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
1USD=
UAE (AED)
Dirham
3.67
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
6.11
Saudi Arabia (SAR)
Riyal
3.75
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,505.50
Bahrain (BHD)
Dinar
0.37
Jordan (JOD)
Dinar
0.71
Syria (SYP)
Pound
69.35
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.28
Qatar (QAR)
Riyal
3.64
Oman (OMR)
Rial
0.38
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.57
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
8.58
Iran (IRR)
Riyal
12,275.00
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.50
Algeria (DZD)
Dinar
79.32
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.25
Big Bus Tours
“Our aim is to provide a complete sightseeing experience showcasing the best Dubai has to offer,” Mike Lees, general manager, Big Bus Tours UAE, said, revealing that the next destination for the company regionally is Muscat, where plans are well underway to launch later this year.
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre: Encouraging Debut
Opened just nine months ago, Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre, located on the doorstep of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), has so far recorded positive results.
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ummarising the past few months, Amer Ammar, general manager, Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre, said, “[The hotel] started to receive guests in mid-February and the first seven months’ performance was encouraging considering the short period of only two months of exhibition season at ADNEC.” Ammar further explained that due to its ideal location in close proximity to the UAE capital’s business hotspots, the 242-room hotel enjoys high guest volumes from the MICE sector. Speaking about the destination’s growing appeal, Ammar added, “Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has a lot to do with this success, as they are cooperating with Etihad Airways and ADNEC as well as the emirate’s hotels in order to attract tourism and MICE business to Abu Dhabi. “Concerts and sports events are also among the main factors behind this success, as we noticed that these events are attracting a lot of visitors to Abu Dhabi from all over the world.” 03 NOVEMBER 2012
WEEKLY NEWS Malaysian Delegation Holds Talks with Al Habtoor Group A delegation from Malaysia recently met with senior executives of Al Habtoor Group, the UAEbased conglomerate, with the aim of developing mutual cooperation, deepening professional ties, and analysing potential investment opportunities in the southeast Asian country, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors. “We are considering several opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, including Malaysia,” commented Paul Rayner, advisor to the chairman, Al Habtoor Group. “The country has ambitious plans to achieve its national vision by 2020 in the line with the UAE’s 2020 plan,” he further noted. Malaysia’s economy grew 5.1 percent in 2011 and is expected to increase between 4.5 - 5.5 percent in 2013, official data has indicated.
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Saudi Arabia: A Major Tourist Destination Saudi Arabia proved to be a major tourist destination to the GCC market having welcomed over five million visitors from the region in 2011, two million of which travelled to the country throughout the summer months during the third quarter of the year. According to a report issued by Tourism Information and Research Center (MAS), the statistical arm of Saudi Commission of Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA), Kuwait came first in the number of inbound tourist trips from the GCC countries in 2011, reaching 2.6 million. The UAE came in second recording 1.5 million trips, Bahrain arrived third with 1.2 million trips, and Qatar followed with 1.1 million tourist trips. Indicating the purposes of these tourist trips, MAS’ report further stated that 1.7 million tourists were visiting friends and relatives, 900,000 trips were made for the purpose of attending business events, and 400,000 for shopping.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Dreamland Aqua Park: Visitor Numbers on the Rise Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain, has recorded a 30 percent increase in visitor volume year-to-date, over 2011 figures. This improvement mainly comes as a result of tie-up promotions with neighbouring hotels and tour operators, according to Ghassan El Kesti, park manager, Dreamland Aqua Park, who further noted that besides the thrill rides, the camping facilities are also continuing to gain popularity especially for schools, group outings, and corporate team building activities, while the recentlylaunched special promotions are expected to further boost visitor numbers, most of which come from the UAE and CIS countries. Dreamland Aqua Park
MEA: Almost 500 Hotels in the Pipeline The Middle East and Africa region’s hotel development pipeline comprises a total of 493 hotels with 122,942 rooms, based on STR Global’s latest Construction Pipeline Report for September. According to the report, 46 hotels opened in the region with 10,510 rooms year-to-date, and in the remaining months, 72 additional hotels are expected to be launched with 18,072 rooms, most of which will represent the unaffiliated segment (21 hotels), the luxury segment (14 hotels), and the upper upscale segment (12 rooms). In 2013, another 150 hotels with 37,349 rooms are set to open in the region with the upper upscale segment leading the list (35 hotels), followed by the upscale segment (36 hotels), and the unaffiliated segment (32 hotels).
VisitBritain's APMEA Regional Office Moves to Dubai VisitBritain has announced that is relocating its Asia-Pacific Middle East and Africa (APMEA) regional office from Singapore to Dubai, in order to get closer to the Gulf travellers, keep a better watching brief on important growth markets in the region, and maintain its current portfolio of activity across APMEA. “Britain is a major beneficiary of outbound travel from the Gulf region with residents of the six GCC states spending GBP881 million (USD1.4 billion) in Britain during 2011,” said Carol Maddison, UAE manager, VisitBritain.
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WEEKLY NEWS Record-breaking Traffic at Pafos International Airport Hermes Airports has announced a new record in passenger traffic volume through Pafos International Airport, shattering the previous record of 1,832,655 travellers in 2006. For the first time in the airport’s 29-year history, over two million travellers used Pafos International Airport, between January 1 and October 22, reporting a 28 percent increase in figures over 2011. “We are delighted with the new passenger traffic record at Pafos International Airport. Considering that there are still two and a half months to go before the end of the year, the total number of passengers travelling through Pafos airport this year will obviously be even higher. This development is a hopeful message for us, as well as for the tourism industry in Cyprus,” commented Alfred van der Meer, CEO, Hermes Airports. Pafos International Airport
Saudi Arabia Focuses on Religious Tourism The Saudi Arabian government is continuing to invest billions of Riyals into various infrastructure and hospitality-related projects in the Kingdom, with the aim of facilitating a construction boom and stimulating growth of the country’s hospitality industry, mainly for religious tourism purposes. A total of 100 towers worth SAR18 billion (USD4.8 billion) are currently under construction near the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Once completed, all projects will provide the city with some 24,500 additional hotel rooms alongside other infrastructure facilities. Meanwhile, King Abdul Aziz International Airport, the closest airport to Mecca, is undergoing a capacity expansion from 12 million to 14 million passengers per year. Additionally, SAR62 billion is being invested for the Mecca Metro project and among the developments taking shape in the city is the Jabal Al Kaaba project, which will deliver 1,743 hotel units during the second quarter of 2013, through the Anjum Hotels brand.
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Further Influx of Visitors to Saudi Arabia Expected The hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years parallel to the country’s increasingly healthy economy which will continue to see a rise in GDP until 2016. According to this year’s Economic Impact Report Saudi Arabia published by World Travel & Tourism Council, the total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the country’s GDP in 2011 was USD43 billion, equivalent to 5.4 percent of the total GDP, with a forecasted growth of 3.7 percent this year to reach USD44.6 billion. In addition, Business Monitor International has predicted that the number of visitors to Saudi Arabia is expected to increase to 15.8 million by 2014, which has signalled a steady demand in all hospitality-related sectors, in turn harnessing new potentials for foreign investments in the Kingdom’s tourism industry.
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Accommodation
Copthorne Hotel Dubai Adds Meeting Facilities Copthorne Hotel Dubai seeks to tap into the corporate sector with the addition of extensive state-of-the-art meeting facilities to be revealed before the end of November. Designed to accommodate up to 170 delegates, the opening of the purposebuilt facilities come as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a destination for business tourism, this according to Alaa Salameh, general manager, Copthorne Hotel Dubai. Moreover, he said, “Be it an intimate board meeting, a high profile conference, a simple seminar or a gala celebration, we offer a choice of multiple meeting venues and flexible spaces to match any requirement.”
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche: Continuous Growth
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas has witnessed encouraging results in its first year of operation and expects demand to grow for its private villas. Located on a nine kilometres stretch of environmentally protected beach on Saadiyat Island, overseas guests opting for the hotel tend to stay for seven to 14 days, Stuart Deeson, general manager, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, explained. “The majority of our guests come from the UAE [and] we have noticed that many UAE residents return to stay with us especially during weekends and holidays,” he added, also noting great potential in the property’s private villas, especially among the GCC market.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche has fast become a preferred choice for executives and leisure travellers visiting the city from around the globe, and this is apparent in its upsurge in financial results so far this year. “Since opening [six months ago], the hotel has been achieving a continuous growth in terms of revenue,” revealed Rabih El Hayek, assistant director of sales, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, adding that the positive figures have been driven by strong guest volumes from the GCC, Europe, and Asia. “In addition, Abu Dhabi is an airport hub as more airlines will be directed to Abu Dhabi International Airport, and these factors will increase traffic to the city,” he concluded.
With Wi-Fi fast becoming a necessity for business travellers on the road, Grand Millennium Dubai aims to take guest convenience a step further by offering connectivity in the luxury hotel cars. “As a five-star hotel we always strive to keep up-todate with cutting-edge technological advances to deliver the best to our guests,” emphasised Peter Mansourian, general manager, Grand Millennium Dubai, adding that by offering complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity in four of the property’s luxury cars, the hotel has once again achieved a remarkable milestone towards a higher level of guest satisfaction and further proving the high value the team places on the expectations of all travellers. To meet all needs of the business travellers, the 343-room hotel offers a range of stateof-the-art meeting and conference facilities, in addition to its restaurants and bar venues.
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Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi: Increasing Demand for Villas
Grand Millennium Dubai Brings Wi-Fi to Luxury Cars
Grand Millennium Dubai
WEEKLY NEWS
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WEEKLY NEWS
Accommodation
Burj Al Arab Debuts New Aquarium Burj Al Arab has unveiled its fully transformed aquarium, showcasing an innovative décor and new exotic species of fish to guests and local visitors. The aquarium incorporates some of the most technically advanced underwater lighting and new artificial coral reefs, as well as improved filtration systems. Commenting on the attraction, Warren Baverstock, aquarium operations manager, Burj Al Arab, said, “We take extreme pride in nurturing our fish and providing it with as natural an environment as possible. Therefore we designed the best possible undersea ‘home away from home’ for our new and existing species. No live coral was used in the tank and the habitat was created to imitate natural coral reefs.” Burj Al Arab now offers three aquariums, two of which are located in the lobby and one of which is in the hotel’s seafood restaurant.
Ocean View Hotel Gears Up to Open Ocean View Hotel, the latest addition to JA Resorts & Hotels’ growing portfolio, is set to start receiving international guests on January 1, 2013. Located along The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, the four-star hotel will offer 342 sea-view rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, including an executive lounge, a gym, health club, temperature-controlled infinity pool, and kids club. Guests may also benefit from the public beach located just steps away or a hop onto a complimentary shuttle to the five-star private beach at Jebel Ali Golf Resort. David Thomson, chief operating officer, JA Resorts & Hotels, announced a soft opening towards the end of the year prior to welcoming guests on the official launching day.
Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman: 200 Percent Increase in Figures Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman has recorded rocketing increases in business volume from the CIS and Central Asian markets, since its participation in the Kazakhstan International Tourism Fair in May, according to Iftikhar Hamdani, general manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman. He further noted that the upsurge from these emerging markets has pushed year-to-date occupancy to 94 percent, and by yearend, the management expects to exceed the 100,000 room nights recorded in 2011 with an additional 12,000 room nights. To cater to the growing demand, the hotel recently upgraded its rooms along with its executive floor, dedicated to discerning travellers including high-end corporate guests, government delegations, and sports teams.
Taj Palace Dubai Seeks to Attract the South African Market The sales and marketing team at Taj Palace Dubai has recently returned from a roadshow to South Africa, organised by Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, in order to grow its market share from the country, which currently represents 14 percent of the hotel’s clientele. The property has already witnessed a five percent increase in visitors from South Africa this year, according to Marwa Mustafa, director of sales, Taj Palace Dubai, who further indicated a rise in visitor numbers forecasted from the country.
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Accommodation
Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha to Add New Facilities In a bid to further increase its market share, Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha plans to enhance its facilities, upgrade technology, and give a new look to the atrium and its restaurants. So far this year, the hotel recorded an occupancy increase of five percent, along with an average growth rate of eight percent, which, according to JS Anand, general manager, Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha, came as a result of the property’s positioning as a four-star hotel that offers a five-star look and service. Considering the projected growth in supply in the emirate, hoteliers have to be at the top of their game to maintain occupancy levels, as Anand noted. “New hotels will definitely impact on existing players in the market, certainly towards the end of 2013, but we believe that the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing is doing a tremendous job in its branding strategies for the city and reaching into new markets.”
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WEEKLY NEWS
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TIME Hotels Management Exploits Leisure Moscow TIME Hotels Management increased its participation in this year’s Leisure Moscow exhibition with individual stands at the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Sharjah Commerce & Tourist Development Authority (SCTDA) pavilions. Commenting on the satisfactory participation results, which saw the group sign three major contracts with tour operators in Russia and Ukraine, Mohamed Awadalla, area vice president, TIME Hotels Management, said, “With more than 1,500 agents and 65,000 visitors at this year’s show, we were able to meet with key buyers and fast-track contracts for our entire portfolio of six hotels and hotel apartments in prime locations across Dubai and Sharjah.” Praising these emerging markets, he added, “The numbers and average room rate from our Russian guests [are] also reflecting a steady rise. In addition to room revenues, visitors from these markets have one of the highest per average capita spends when it comes to food and leisure activities.”
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WEEKLY NEWS
Air News
ADAC and Jet Airways Increase Services
Air Arabia Touches Down in Odessa
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and Jet Airways have recently added four direct weekly flights between the UAE capital’s international airport and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, India, increasing the number of operations between the two cities from 14 a week to 18. ”ADAC is committed to ensuring that Jet Airways is provided with the tools it needs to continue to offer frequent flights between Abu Dhabi and India, the most popular destination for passengers leaving Abu Dhabi,” commented Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operating officer, ADAC, adding that the company is keen to support its airline partners.
The inaugural Air Arabia flight to Odessa recently landed in Ukraine’s fourth largest city and was greeted by a delegation of officials from the airport. Commenting on Air Arabia’s new services to Odessa, Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, said, “This flight is especially significant as it marks a new milestone in Air Arabia’s expansion into Ukraine and the wider CIS region. With the touch down in Odessa, Air Arabia now links the UAE and Ukraine with 10 weekly flights serving the cities of Kiev, Donetsk, and Kharkiv, in addition to Odessa.”
Qatar Airways to Serve Phnom Penh Qatar Airways has announced plans to launch daily scheduled flights to the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh from its hub, Doha, as of February 20, 2013, becoming the only Middle Eastern carrier to operate into the country. Phnom Penh will be Qatar Airways’ latest destination in Asia, which now represents around 30 percent of the carrier’s 119-strong network of global cities. Its Asian coverage includes cities such as Hong Kong, Hanoi, Osaka, Tokyo, Perth, Beijing, Shanghai, Melbourne, Perth, Delhi, Mumbai, Karachi, and Goa. ”As we continue our aggressive worldwide expansion programme, we are delighted to offer our customers a much awaited connection to one of Asia’s most popular and well-loved destinations,” commented Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways.
Aegean Airlines Acquires Olympic Air Aegean Airlines and Marfin Investment Group have agreed on the sale of 100 percent of Olympic Air to Aegean Airlines. Following the completion of the transaction, Olympic Air will beOlympic Air to become subsidiary come a subsidiary of the of Aegean Airlines listed Aegean Airlines, the brand names and logos of the two companies will be maintained, each will have distinct aircraft and flight staff, and all administrative, planning, purchasing, and commercial functions will be unified. According to Theodoros Vassilakis, chairman, Aegean Airlines, in recent years, both carriers have invested USD2 billion in a brand new fleet, while their service quality has been recognised with the receipt of numerous industry awards and both contribute in excess of EUR270 million (USD350 million) to the Greek state revenues in airport taxes, fees, and social security contributions.
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WEEKLY NEWS
International
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Continues Transition Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced that it has completed the sale of the 665-room Manhattan at Times Square Hotel in New York City to affiliates of Rockpoint Group, Goldman Sachs' Real Estate Principal Investment Area, and Highgate Holdings, for USD275 million in cash. The property, located on Seventh Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets, will be managed by Highgate Holdings as an independent ho-
tel unaffiliated with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Simon Turner, president, global development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, commented, “As we continue our transition to an asset-light model, we continue to look for opportunities to sell our owned hotels at attractive prices to best create value for our shareholders, and this sale of a non-strategic asset is consistent with that strategy. ”
BWI to Expand in Thailand Best Western International (BWI) is expanding its beach resort portfolio with the launch of a new hotel on the tropical Thai island of Phuket. Located just a few minutes’ walk from Patong Beach, hailed as Phuket’s most popular tourist area, the new resort is gearing up for the increasing number of leisure travellers and family groups expected to visit the island. Set to open in 2014, the hotel will offer 220 guestrooms, all including modern amenities such as flat screen TVs and complimentary Internet access, and guests will also be able to benefit from the property’s rooftop swimming pool and an all-day dining restaurant. Once completed, this project will become the chain’s fourth property in Phuket and the group’s 18th addition to its fastexpanding Thailand portfolio.
Patong Beach, Phuket
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WHO'S MOVED
Harro-Julius Petersen Harro-Julius Petersen has been named general manager for Greece and Cyprus at Deutsche Lufthansa. Starting his career in the field of tour operating for Cuba and Greece, he joined Air France Germany in 1988. In 2000, he was assigned as Lufthansa’s general manager in Northern Germany, a position which he
held for seven years, until he took on his most recent position, general manager of Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltics. In his new role, based in Athens, Petersen will be in charge of the overall sales and representation of Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS for Greece and Cyprus.
Noemi Olah Noemi Olah has been appointed marketing and communications manager for both Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence and Ramada Sharjah, UAE. After earning a Master`s degree in hotel management, she worked for two years in the US, before joining Corinthia Hotels International in 2002, where she held various positions in the admin, sales, and marketing departments. Olah has been with Ramada Worldwide since 2006, starting at Ramada Plaza Buda-
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pest, Hungary, and moving to the UAE in 2010 to be part of the pre-opening team of Ramada Sharjah. She takes on her new position after gaining experience as quality and brand manager of Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence. In her new role, Olah will work closely with the director of sales and marketing to strengthen the position of both properties in the market and to assist other departments in achieving the targets set for the team.
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Rabih El Zyr Rabih El Zyr has been appointed director of sales and marketing at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown. El Zyr, who is currently enrolled at the Cornell University on the Executive Education Programme in hotel, real estate and asset management, brings 10 years of experience to the role, having started
with Rotana Hotels in 2003 as assistant area sales manager. He then became the sales and marketing manager of Kempinski's Julai'a Hotel & Resort, in Kuwait, before being promoted to assistant director of sales and marketing. Since 2011, he worked as director of sales and marketing at Grand Excelsior Hotel, Kuwait.
TRAVEL TALK
travel talk is your space
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Mohamed Fekry
Leonard Theng
General manager, Concorde Hotel Fujairah.
Director of sales, Pullman Dubai Mall of Emirates.
“[So far this year], the hotel’s performance exceeded my expectations and we have achieved almost 35 percent increase, as compared to 2011. Fujairah has a unique and strategic location; it is the only place in the UAE overlooking the Indian Ocean with its beautiful mountains and lovely valleys. The city is also rich in culture and heritage with a booming economy.”
“Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing has been doing a fantastic job in its relentless efforts to position Dubai as the preferred destination for business and leisure. Of course, this is supported by easy access which stems from the development of air routes. Moreover, the high standard of service delivered by the hospitality industry incessantly reassures most travellers that one will certainly have a memorable experience.”
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AGENT'S CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Kaukab Bilgrami POSITION: Group general manager COMPANY: Eternity International Travels & Tourism
LOCATION: Kuwait
Who are you? I am of Indian origin, settled in Kuwait, with a widespread experience of more than 20 years in the fields of travel management and finance; having previously worked in various leading organisations namely Jumbo Travels and Alshamel Travel located in Kuwait and Qatar, and established Xpress Travel in Kuwait in 2005. I also played a key role is establishing Horizon Travels Kuwait and was instrumental in setting up Horizon Aviation group. As of late, I have joined Eternity International Travel & Tourism, which has three branches so far and was in need of an experienced leader to expand it with another three branches, out of which two will be inaugurated in the first week of this month. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Getting to know the world and its majestic sceneries closely. When is the best time to visit Kuwait? During February, as Kuwait celebrates its independence and liberation day, and it is filled with vibrant colours and is fully illuminated, in addition to being full of fun activities. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Istanbul, Turkey as it is an upcoming tourist destination and quite popular amongst the Arabs. Why should people come to you for travel advice? I am a concept seller. I foresee a person’s vision before giving my advice. Therefore, my clients do not end up in a destination where their interests do not lie.
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Online Travel to Experience Growth in the Middle East The online travel industry in the Middle East is presenting rapid growth since online bookings are increasing nearly by a third. According to a study carried out by PhoCusWright across 10 Middle Eastern countries, which was co-sponsored by Travelport, online travel sales in the Middle East will increase this year by 31 percent from 2011, to reach almost USD10.4 billion, while they are expected to hit USD15.8 billion by 2014. The research indicated
the rapid development of regional online travel agencies (OTAs). For 2011, 39 percent of all online bookings in the Middle East were made through OTAs. The gross booking value through OTAs is expected to double from USD3.1 billion to USD6 billion by 2014. “The Middle East is one of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations and source markets, and the online potential is immense,” underlined Rabih Saab, president, Middle East and Africa, Travelport.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS New Innovative and Flexible Booking Engine
UNWTO’s New Sustainable Tourism Observatories The Chengdu and Kanas Observatories have joined World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) network of tourism observatories, which gather, report, and assist policy makers to ensure more sustainable tourism growth.
“U
NWTO’s Sustainable Tourism Observatories are providing decision makers with the information they need to make more responsible tourism decisions,” said Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO. “The establishment of the Chengdu and Kanas observatories will allow these destinations to better understand the impact of their many visitors, evaluate the impacts of existing sustainable tourism initiatives and ensure tourism benefits both the people and environment of the surrounding areas for years to come,” he added. The city of Chengdu receives 10's of millions of domestic tourists each year and an increasing share of international tourists, while the Kanas Lake Nature Reserve welcomes close to one million domestic tourists, supporting jobs and income among the local population.
evolution technology by The Hotel Performance Company, the hospitality e-commerce and e-distribution provider, has launched the industry’s first booking engine with a shopping cart functionality for hotels. The booking engine contains a fast track mode and is fully compatible with all Internet-enabled devices, including tablet and mobile, which will prove fundamental for hotels as it maximises the value of guest bookings with its up-sell functionality. Moreover, it gives customers the option to upgrade, add on various extras, facilitate negotiated rate bookings, a large integrated calendar screen, and a flexible shopping basket functionality allowing consumers to book multiple rooms and occupancies with different room types, different arrival dates, and alternative departure dates in a single booking, to name a few.
SCTDA Professional Training and License Programme On October 7 - 18, a new batch of the UAE’s tourist guides gained a professional leap forward by enrolling themselves for the professional course offered by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), in association with the University of Sharjah. This was the third batch of professional tourist guides to undergo the two-week course; a professional licensing and training programme which includes theory classes, practical workshops, and field visits to a number of tourist attractions, museums, and archaeological sites in the emirate under the supervision of a diverse range of experts and faculty. H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Noman, chairman, SCTDA, indicated that the programme is part of the authority’s efforts and strategy to encourage, achieve, and maintain excellence in the tourism industry on par with international standards and norms.
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RENDEZVOUS
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Q & A with Basak Erel Driven by its vision to be recognised as a leader in the markets where it operates and become internationally known for its high quality standards, Rixos Hotels aims to further consolidate its presence in the UAE, as Basak Erel, senior vice president, brand management, Rixos Hotels, reveals.
Travel Trade Weekly: Opened less than a year ago, Rixos The Palm Dubai represents Rixos Hotels’ first property in the UAE and in the Middle East. How has the hotel been received so far?
Basak Erel Senior vice president, brand management, Rixos Hotels
Basak Erel: The Rixos brand’s success has spawned a huge client base over the last decade, and we are certain that the first six months attracted Rixos’ loyal clients to the emirate, while still attracting the local residents who are seeking world class hospitality in a fun and warm environment. Travel Trade Weekly: The company’s second project in the UAE is the highly anticipated Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah. What stage is the development at? Basak Erel: Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah is an all-inclusive fine resort with 627 rooms and suites offering a serene retreat for relaxation. It offers a splendid array of 14 multi-dining food and beverage outlets complimented with a rich roster of leisure facilities featuring the signature Rixos Royal Spa with a marvelous Turkish Hammam, a kids and teens club, a show amphitheater and a night club. Rixos Bab Al Bahr will also provide a convenient, indulgent, elegant, and sophisticated shopping experience, where retail shops will feature fashion, jewellery, antiques, and a market. Currently Rixos Bab Al Bahr is scheduled to open at the end of the year. The rising emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is fast becoming a strong contender within the global hospitality market and Rixos Hotels
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It has been an extremely positive year for Rixos Hotels, and with a the opening of Rixos Bab Al Bahr scheduled for the end of the year, the excitement only looks set to continue
would enjoy an active role in introducing a new hospitality project into this emirate. Travel Trade Weekly: What makes the UAE an attractive destination for investment for Rixos Hotels? Basak Erel: So far, it has been an extremely positive year for Rixos Hotels, and with a the opening of Rixos Bab Al Bahr scheduled for the end of the year, the excitement only looks set to continue. The UAE is an popular touristic destination, attracting visitors from neighbouring Middle East and Gulf countries as well as from Asia and Europe, all year round. Turkish investments in the UAE touched USD6 billion, mostly in the construction and building sector, which certainly does grab the attention of Rixos Hotels, stating that the UAE is currently recognised as the investment hub within the GCC, indicating that economic cooperation opportunities will continue. With the attractive growth prospects and rapid development of the Turkish economy, this will create a growing number of investment opportunities for Rixos Hotels within the UAE and possibly other Middle Eastern countries. Travel Trade Weekly: What is the next step in the company’s regional expansion? Basak Erel: For many years, the UAE and the Middle East have embraced excellence in hospitality, being recognised as pioneers in the sector. We are currently having firm discussions for multiple projects in these markets that reflect our brand vision.
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NEWS & EVENTS
Sharjah Delegation Exploits ITB Asia A team from Sharjah, including top government officials and representatives of the emirate’s travel and tourism sector, participated in this year’s ITB Asia, for the fourth time, alongside 850 exhibitors. “[The ITB exhibition] has assumed critical importance in recent years with all major tourism markets looking to exploit its massive potential,” stated H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Noman, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), adding that today no tourism market can afford to ignore the immense potential of the Asian market. With the World Travel & Tourism Council predicting a six percent growth for the Asian region this year, Al Noman emphasised the historic, cultural and commercial ties between the emirate and Asia, and said, “Sharjah and Singapore also have a great deal to share and benefit from each other’s experience and expertise.” Until August, Asian tourists in Sharjah reached 136,310 while visitors from Singapore accounted for 7,121, signalling a 15 percent increase over 2011 levels.
Shurooq Participates at Global Entrepolis Singapore 2012 As part of its involvement in the 2012 Global Entrepolis Singapore (GES), which was hosted by the Singapore Business Federation in October, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) took part in a ‘Hot Sectors in Emerging Markets’ forum discussion, which explored the UAE as an emerging regional economy and focused on Sharjah. “The UAE economy is proving to be extremely resilient in a difficult global economic climate and opportunities to do business in the country are many. The UAE is Singapore’s second biggest trading partner in the Middle East, and the UAE, and Singapore are considered as a launching pad for the expansion of businesses into their prospective region,” said H.E. Mohammad Ahmad Al Qubaisi, ambassador of UAE to Singapore. H.E. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq, also pointed out that the forum provides an excellent opportunity for Shurooq and its counterparts.
EVENTS World Travel Market (WTM) London, UK, November 5 – 8, 2012 (www.wtmlondon.com) A must-attend business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors.
The Hotel Show – Saudi Arabia Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, November 17– 19, 2012 (www.thehotelshowsaudiarabia.com) A full spectrum hospitality catering and supplies event for the region, bringing leading manufacturers and qualified buyers together.
PURE Life Experiences Marrakech, Morocco, November 12 –15, 2012 (www.purelifeexperiences.com) A premier travel trade exhibition serving one of the hottest high-end travel sectors at the moment; experiential travel.
EIBTM Barcelona, Spain, November 27 – 29, 2012 (www.eibtm.com) A leading global event for the meetings, incentives, events, and business travel industry, held in a vibrant business and tourism destination.
International Golf Travel Market Algarve, Portugal, November 12 –15, 2012 (www.igtm.co.uk) The premier event for the golf travel industry with over 600 golf tourism suppliers and 350 pre-qualified buyers.
India International Travel Mart Hyderabad Hyderabad, India, November 30 – December 2, 2012 (www.iitmindia.com) India’s premier exhibition for travel, tourism, hospitality, leisure and other related sectors.
China International Travel Mart (CITM) Shanghai, China, November 15 –18, 2012 (www.citm.com) The largest professional travel show in Asia with participants from all sectors of the travel industry.
Food & Hotel Oman Muscat, Oman, December 3 – 5, 2012 (www.foodandhoteloman.com) Formerly known as Food Expo, the event has been re-branded to reflect the emerging hospitality and tourism market in the Sultanate and the region.
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